Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-04-20 at 18:02

HEADLINES
Cohen warns Iran won't relent; Israelis detained
Gaza Hamas disarmament talks inch forward
Lebanon front tests Israel restraint

The time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, former Israeli Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen warned that despite Israel's military and intelligence successes during the two recent operations in Iran, we must not deceive ourselves; the Iranians will continue to lie, and we must not trust them or rest on our laurels. Speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, Cohen said: "No agreement or ceasefire will change their fundamental ambitions. Therefore, even though the achievements of the war are significant, our battle for the State of Israel is not over." Separately, about 40 Israeli citizens were detained for around five hours at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, questioned over alleged involvement in the war against Iran. The group, which included dual Israeli-Russian citizens, was held without food, water, or restroom access before being released after intervention by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

In Regional Impacts, the Board of Peace’s lead envoy for Gaza told Reuters on Monday that he was fairly optimistic a plan for disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza can be agreed but cautioned that it will still take time. “We've had some very serious discussions with Hamas over the last few weeks, they're not easy,” Nickolay Mladenov said. “I'm fairly optimistic that we will be able to come up with an arrangement that works for all sides and, most importantly, works for the people in Gaza.” The plan proposed by the United States would see Israeli troops withdraw from Gaza and reconstruction begin as Hamas lays down its weapons, but Hamas' disarmament remains a sticking point in talks to implement the ceasefire that halted two years of war. Violence has continued in the Palestinian territories. Separately, Pakistan has asked the United States to extend the ceasefire, and there have been no reports that an Iranian or American delegation has left for talks in Pakistan. The United Arab Emirates also announced the capture of a terror network and 27 suspects linked to Iran.

In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Lebanon dilemma: will fighting resume on two fronts amid Hezbollah concerns? The Trump-imposed ceasefire in Lebanon has left Israel uneasy: the public seeks a decisive blow to Hezbollah, but the IDF is holding back as Netanyahu faces political pressure and looks to upcoming Lebanon talks and US-Iran negotiations. To those who lie about Israel's "indiscriminate attacks" in Lebanon, I say: innocent civilians are not buried wrapped in a Hezbollah flag with their photo glorified as armed fighters.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, visited the Hebron Yeshiva in Jerusalem on Monday, where he was welcomed by school leaders and hundreds of students. During the visit, Milei greeted students in the study hall and acknowledged the institution’s leadership, with the head of the yeshiva highlighting the organization’s deep roots in Jewish learning and tradition. President Herzog said he had the privilege of presenting the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor to President Milei this afternoon at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, calling it a symbol of the deep friendship between their peoples and his thanks for Milei’s support and partnership. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot said he did not cry for decades until the funeral of his son, Gal Eisenkot, who was killed in Gaza, and noted that the loss pushed him to action; he has since launched the Yashar! Party to improve Israel’s future.

In Uplifting News, Israel at 78: Unbowed, strong, and determined as it swings between a miracle and a mess reflects on a year of sirens, long reserve duty, and societal strain. Official statistics show Israel’s population grew by about 150,000, with roughly 7,000 fewer immigrants than the previous year, and 91% of Israelis say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their lives. The piece recalls David Ben-Gurion’s oft-cited quip: “In one word, good,” and its follow-up caveat that not everything is good. Ambassador Huckabee: America joins the people of Israel in observing Yom HaZikaron — Israel’s Memorial Day — and in honoring the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism who have given their lives in defense of the Jewish State. May their memories forever be a blessing.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

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